How Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Improves Your Hair & Nails

Introduction to Marine Collagen

Collagen is often heralded as the "fountain of youth" for skin, but what exactly is it? 

Collagen is a protein that's abundant in our bodies, making up the building blocks of skin, hair, nails, bones, and ligaments. Think of it as the glue that holds everything together; it gives our skin strength and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to the common signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.

Hydrolyzed vs Regular Collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen is a form of collagen that has undergone a process called hydrolysis. This process breaks down the collagen molecules into smaller peptides, making it more easily absorbed and used by the body. 

Regular collagen in supplements and foods is not hydrolyzed. The molecules are too large for the body to fully break down and utilize. As we age, our bodies produce less enzymes that can properly break down collagen from food into amino acids. 

Hydrolyzed collagen has undergone partial "pre-digestion" through hydrolysis. This makes the collagen peptides small enough to be easily digested and absorbed even if someone has impaired digestion! That’s why hydrolyzed collagen is considered superior to regular collagen.

What is Marine Collagen? 

Marine collagen is a type of collagen derived from fish skin, scales, and bones. It has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement due to its many potential health benefits. 

Marine collagen supplements have been associated with benefits related to skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, and more. The collagen peptides are highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. 

Some of the top health benefits linked to marine collagen supplementation include reducing signs of skin aging, improving wound healing, strengthening nails and hair, protecting bone and joint health, and promoting gut health.

Marine Collagen Composition

Marine collagen specifically has a unique amino acid profile that sets it apart from other collagen supplements, such as bovine collagen, porcine collagen or collagen builders. 

It is rich in Type I, 3, 5 and 12 collagen. It is also abundant in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids play a key role in collagen synthesis and maintaining the integrity of connective tissues. Marine collagen contains higher levels of glycine compared to bovine or porcine collagen. 

Benefits for Hair

Marine collagen provides numerous benefits for hair health and appearance. Here are some of the top ways hydrolyzed marine collagen improves hair:

• Improves hair thickness and growth

The amino acids in marine collagen, especially proline and glycine, help stimulate hair follicles and improve the anagen (growth) phase. This leads to thicker, fuller hair over time. Marine collagen peptides have been shown to increase hair diameter and density.

• Strengthens hair follicles

Marine collagen strengthens and protects hair follicles, reducing hair fall and breakage. The peptides provide structural proteins that reinforce hair strands. This makes hair more resistant to damage.

• Reduces hair loss

By providing nutrients to hair follicles and strengthening strands, marine collagen helps reduce hair loss and thinning. It supports healthy hair cycling and minimizes shedding. The amino acids promote new growth to counter hair fall.

Marine collagen delivers a powerful punch of proteins, amino acids, and nutrients directly to hair follicles. This comprehensive nutritional support stimulates growth factors and biological pathways that enhance hair thickness, strength, and appearance. Consistent use of marine collagen supplements can lead to visibly thicker, fuller, and healthier looking hair.

Benefits for Nails 

Collagen is an important protein that makes up the majority of your nails. As we age, collagen production slows down leading to weaker and more brittle nails that break easily. Marine collagen can help strengthen nails and stimulate growth.

• Strengthens nails

The amino acids in marine collagen, especially proline and glycine, play a key role in the formation and maintenance of strong nails. Hydrolyzed marine collagen supplements provide the building blocks to reinforce nails and increase hardness. Stronger nails are less prone to peeling, cracking, and breakage. 

• Promotes nail growth

The nutrients in marine collagen enhance nail growth and thickness. The collagen peptides signal the body to produce more of its own collagen. More collagen leads to faster growing nails. Marine collagen may also extend the growth phase and delay the resting phase of the nail growth cycle.

• Reduces brittle nails

Brittle nails that peel or split into layers are a common problem. Marine collagen improves moisture retention and suppleness. It supports keratin formation to reduce brittleness. The anti-inflammatory effects can help brittle nails caused by conditions like thyroid disease. Regular use can lead to noticeable improvements in nail strength and integrity.

Recommended Dosage

When it comes to getting the full benefits on hair and nails of marine collagen, taking the right dosage is important. Here are some key points on suggested daily dosage:

- For best results, aim for 2-5 grams of marine collagen per day. This is the typical dosage used in studies showing benefits on hair and nails. You can find 5 gms of hydrolyzed Marine Collagen peptides in Setu Skin: Youthful. It also contains skin-boosting ingredients like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Zinc, and Biotin, in an optimal dose.

- Take marine collagen consistently, as benefits on hair and nails accumulate over time. You may not see noticeable improvements for 2-3 months. 

- Take marine collagen after breakfast or lunch.

- Mix collagen powder into a shake or smoothie for easy consumption. Otherwise take capsules with water. 

- Look for a high-quality hydrolyzed marine collagen that provides 5-10 grams per serving. This makes it easier to get optimal daily dosage.

Side Effects & Precautions

Marine collagen supplements are generally well tolerated by most people. However, there can be some mild side effects in a small percentage of users. 

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal issues like nausea, heartburn, stomach pain or diarrhea. These are usually mild and often go away after the body adjusts to the supplement. Taking marine collagen with food can help minimize GI disturbances. 

Make sure you opt for a Collagen powder that does not cause any stomach discomfort. It should also NOT contain a fishy smell, as that can become difficult to digest daily. Setu’s Skin: Youthful does not have any known side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, and there’s no fishy smell, unlike many other Collagen powders on the market today.

When To Avoid Collagen

There are a few groups of people who should avoid marine collagen supplements:

- Those with shellfish or fish allergies

Marine collagen is derived from fish so allergies are possible.

- People taking medications

Collagen supplements can potentially interact with certain medications like NSAIDs and blood thinners. Check with a doctor first.

- Pregnant or breastfeeding women

More research is needed on safety for pregnant/nursing mothers. Best to avoid until more data is available.

- Anyone with a medical condition

People with diabetes, autoimmune disorders, kidney disease or other conditions should consult their physician before taking marine collagen.

Overall marine collagen supplements have a good safety profile, but some mild temporary side effects can occur. Those with allergies or those taking medications should check with a healthcare provider beforehand. When taken correctly, the benefits on hair and nails outweigh the potential risks for most healthy adults.

Conclusion

Marine collagen provides a variety of benefits on hair and nails. Here's a summary of the key benefits discussed:

- Marine collagen contains a high concentration of type 1 collagen, which is the most abundant collagen in hair and nails. This makes it highly bioavailable to repair damage and stimulate growth.

- The amino acid composition of marine collagen provides the building blocks for keratin formation, which strengthens hair and nails. Key amino acids include glycine, proline, lysine and hydroxyproline. 

- Marine collagen has been shown in studies to increase hair thickness, shine, and growth rate. It can help combat hair thinning and loss.

- For nails, marine collagen improves strength, hardness, and growth rate.

- Hydrolyzed marine collagen is more easily absorbed than regular collagen, providing maximum benefits. Look for a quality supplement with verified hydrolyzed collagen.

In summary, Marine Collagen provides measurable improvements in the health, strength, and growth of your hair and nails. Adding this supplement to your daily routine can help combat the natural decline as we age.